Box Score

In a nail bitter of a game, the John Carroll Blue Streaks were able to hold off a late Muskingum rally, to win 73-71. 

But JCU got an added bonus for winning tonight – a berth in the 2012 OAC postseason tournament.

Both teams entered the game tied in the conference with a record of 4-12, and both needed a win to dramatically improve if not secure an extension to their seasons. 

Using a combination of stingy defense, and a high-powered offense John Carroll came out firing on all cylinders.  Following a three in the first minute of the game from sophomore Allison Lustig, the Blue Streaks would take a lead they would never relinquish.

Muskingum, however would do its best to wrest it away -- especially late.

Try as they might, John Carroll attempted to run away from the Muskies. On two occasions in the first half, the Streaks led by as many as ten points. In the second half, the advantage was pushed up to 11 on a free throw by Hilary Liwosz that made the count 56-45 with just over 11 minutes to play.

JCU was able to handle everything the Muskies threw at them, and led 66-56 with 5:06 showing on the second half clock.

With so much at stake, the Muskies found new life in the late going. Muskingum uncorked a 14-4 run to tie game at 70 with 2:16 remaining in regulation.

The outcome was decided by a series of fouls, free-throws, and turnovers in the final minute. John Carroll's lone two seniors, Emily Day and Emily Ritchie, each hit free throws in the final 54 seconds that sealed the deal. 

Sophomore Missy Spahar finished the game with 25 points, and 11 rebounds for John Carroll (8-15, 5-12 OAC), giving her six double doubles on the season.  Her teammate, sophomore Heidi Mervar, added 11 points of her own off the bench. 

It was an all around team effort for the Blue Streaks, who ended the night scoring their third highest point total of the season on the strength of 46 percent shooting (26-57) from the floor, and forced Muskingum into 17 total turnovers. 

John Carroll will come home this Saturday for senior day and a date with Marietta College, where a win will benefit their seeding in the upcoming OAC Tournament, which begins Monday.